After Intermission:
Messier Chitra, 15
District 7 Male
So far, Operation "Make Everyone Love Me So The Gamemakers Can't Kill Me" is not going quite to plan. Hell, I'm not even sure I'm in it much myself. Otherwise, I would've have spent so much time working with stupid blowdarts. There has to be better weapons to use, and what do I do? Not to mention I have no allies either. Not that I'm sure I even wanted any, because making relationships is not a strong suit. Not when you come from a place where everyone already fears you because you have…had power.
It might be too late now…or it might not. Baron has spent nearly the last twenty-four hours drilling into me everything I should say and do. Not to throw those three minutes away. He seems to think I still have a chance to turn the tide and I can make everyone sway to my side. The hope was that if I just spin my story carefully enough, I can weave a heartbreaking picture of a family torn apart, a father unjustly killed, a brother locked up, and a mother grieving as she protects her final child she only recently reunited with.
Except my father is a criminal, Deneb is probably never gonna see the light of day again, and my birth mother wanted nothing to do with me. No way I can tell everyone that.
Man, I've got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it.
I feel the urge to tap my foot harshly against the floor, enjoying the strange clicking noise the soles of my shoes make, but that was something Deneb used to do all the time and if I start thinking about him, I know I'll miss him. I need to go into this with a clear mind. I can't afford to fuck anything up.
Intermission is finally over. Aisling crosses her arms and huffs as she taps a foot against her ground. Her black floor-length sparkly dress seems to make her look so much older than she really does, with the way it's cut so low and trails on the floor. So I guess my district partner can clean up when she wants to. The audience, a little bored after the intermission and eager to get back to the interviews, clasp excitedly.
I half expect Aisling to blow Gregor off the way she kinda has been treating Acacia and Baron, but there's a sudden gleam in her eyes and it appears she is actually pretty excited. "Man, you don't know how awesome it is to finally be here. I'm gonna tear the arena to shreds, just watch me!"
"We all love a confident queen!" Gregor laughs. "I'm sure someone as strong and savvy as you has a plan."
"Oh, for sure. I've got it all mapped out." Aisling stretches the word "all" for a few seconds. "I'll get myself a nice amount of kills and let the Careers all take care of each other. Then once it's only me and one other person left, I'll kill them too. And then I'll win. Quite simple, really."
My stomach churns a little and my mouth goes dry. I don't know why I suddenly feel so nervous. I've never been afraid of public speaking before; it feels like a chore more than anything. But now, it counts more than ever.
"Gotta appreciate your spunk. Give it up for Aisling Trier! Now introducing her district partner, Messier Chitra!"
I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants. I've never worn anything this fancy before, with a black vest over my shirt and tie and a forest green jacket over it. The colour reminds me of home a little, but other than that, it's not much comfort. If anything, it again makes me think of everything I lost and I can't afford to do that now. I don't want to fall apart onstage.
It's showtime. Knock 'em dead, Little Makara. Do it for your dad.
"Hello, Messier!" I notice Gregor's smile doesn't meet his eyes the way it did with everyone else. "Nice to meet you."
"Um, you too. I like your clothes."
"You flatter me, kiddo! But we're here for you! So you better give us all the details. Tell us about your life back home!"
Yeah…no. Baron and I agreed one hundred percent that is not happening. It might work better for me to try and act all evasive; make it feel like my backstory is something that needs to be earned. The audience will appreciate a little bit of mystery. I hope.
"Mmmm. There's not much to tell, I'm afraid. Truthfully, I've got a lot more interesting stories about my time here. You know I've been learning about blowdarts and poisons?"
For a moment, the lights make it look like Gregor's face falls in slight disappointment, but he continues to smile as if that didn't just happen. "Ah, yes. Sounds very interesting. Does this mean you'll be one to look out for in the arena?"
"Oh, for sure. I am no flashy killer, but that doesn't mean you can underestimate me. Mark my words, I am one to keep your eye on. And with a little help from my friends, I like to think my victory will be a cakewalk."
The audience explodes at that. I guess they liked to feel included in the whole child slaughterhouse crap or something. Good, that's what I want. Not the slaughter; I never wanted to be here. But if I can stick around in people's minds like that, they'll want to sponsor me and it'll be even harder to get rid of me.
"I like to think so too. But I'm afraid our three minutes are already up. Any last remarks?"
I just shake my head, wanting to end on that high note. Something does drift to mind, but I decide against it. Although I say it silently to myself as I head offstage and move to wait in the wings.
Dad, I'm doing this for you. I'm going to make you so proud of me.
Ascella Fuhari, 15
District 8 Female
Is it bad that I actually feel a little bit excited for my own interview? There's just something about looking my best on a stage in front of everyone that makes me bask in the moment and atmosphere. My stylist absolutely nailed it with the light blue two piece dress and lace trim that makes me feel adorably feminine, but doesn't overdo any of it. It's way fancier than anything I could ever dream of owning at home.
Someone beckons for me to step forward. I just look behind me and flash Hunter a thumbs-up. He gives me a nod in response. I can feel it. I'm going to do great.
For a brief moment, I'm blinded by the lights as I walk to the seat next to Gregor. His form comes into view and becomes less blurry. He gives me a firm handshake. "Hello, Mx. Green Thumb! I've heard that you're very big on the environment?"
"Ooh, yes! It's very important for me. Do you share my enthusiasm too?"
I'm going to take Gregor's nervous laugh as a no. He asks me to tell him more, so I do. "I've got a bit of a green thumb and it's very important to me. I do a lot of gardening back home, and even got a few plants of my own. Too bad they haven't grown anything yet, but never say never." I hear a few chuckles in the audience.
"What kind of plants do you grow?" Gregor raises an eyebrow. "Something very green and leafy, perhaps?"
Huh. Maybe in another world, I could light up a blunt to share with Gregor Flickerman. But I don't want people to stereotype me as a lazy good-for-nothing stoner, so I quickly deflect the questions. "Oh, just green beans and tomatoes. My little brother loves them. He's eight, by the way. His name is Antares, and he's super adorable. I can't wait to see him and my mom again."
Someone in the front row gushes. I ignore the sudden pang of homesickness as my interview ends on a very lighthearted and fun note. I'm a little sad it's over so fast, but my turn is long over.
Garnet wears a snazzy denim suit with a matching coat over it. He tugs for a bit on his copper coloured tie and clears his throat, before smiling warmly at Gregor. "Good evening, Mr. Flickerman."
"Am I really that old to you? Please just call me Gregor; Mr. Flickerman is my father! Alright, I kid, I kid. Tell us about your life back home!"
It's almost like a light switch goes off as Garnet's face metals into sadness. He begins to weave the heartbreaking tale of being the eldest child of a single mother and giving up his chance at a normal childhood to work, so he could make sure his sisters never had to miss a meal. It was hard, but he managed as much as he could.
"There's way too many people back home who depend on me for me to not win. I have to get back to them and keep them safe and secure, making sure they never go to bed hungry ever again. My win will be something I'm doing for them, not just for me."
"How inspirational!" Gregor wipes away a tear from the corner of his eye as the crowd begins to whisper sadly amongst themselves. "Family must be super important to you."
"Of course it is, and my mother is the most hardworking person I've ever known. I want to make sure she no longer has to miss dinner to work 12 hour shifts."
The crowd bursts into applause. Next up is Grail, wearing a light brown blazer with a sky blue dress shirt and an indigo tie underneath. They look almost bored with the scene around them, and only respond to Gregor's questions and small and vague answers. They glower at him the whole time and it's starting to come off as a little creepy.
I feel like I'm just waiting for Grail to inevitably tear Gregor's head off.
When questions about training and allies go nowhere, Gregor decides to try a different topic. "Okay, then. If you don't want to talk about your time in the Capitol, it's perfectly okay. Let's talk about your home life and your family."
The look in Grail's eyes softens and their fingers mesh together. "All I have is my baby sister," they say quietly, in a voice that sounds like it's going to crack any minute. They also appear to be avoiding eye contact, their head tilted slightly downwards. I feel bad for them. "She's all alone…I don't know what's going to happen to her."
"Oh?" Gregor continues to chase this topic further, now that he's found something Grail is willing to talk about. "Tell us more about her."
Grail sends another glare in Gregor's direction. "Her name's Marla. She's about four years younger than me. Everything I do in life is to make sure that she'll be taken care of and she'll have a better future than I did. That's why I'm willing to fight to win, because the money will be to take care of her, not me."
The interview ends and as Grail pushes past me, I pretend not to notice the drying tears on their face. It just seems like the nice thing to do.
Cameron wears a bright orange vest over a white dress shirt and gray and orange checkered slacks. He squirms in his seat as Gregor introduces him. "Meet the littlest tribute of the Games! Cameron, tell us more about yourself."
Cameron makes a small squeaking noise. "Um, I have a really big family. I'm the youngest of ten kids." That gets several shocked gasps. "Yeah. It gets pretty hectic sometimes. I even have a niece already!"
"Certainly sounds like it! What about your alliance?"
"Well, you kinda already heard about it but there's only five of us so it's not crazy big." Cameron hugs his arms to his chest. "I like them, though. They're honest people. You dunno how much I like that."
Hunter Appalachie, 17
District 10 Male
What a load of total horseshit.
I mean this whole interview shtick. What, does everyone think I'll actually be happy to be here, talking to them? The place that's gonna ship me off to die like a lamb to the slaughter? I can barely tolerate Ascella and that's just one person. Forget a whole audience. That's just dumb.
Anyway, why Ascella still clings to me, I have no idea. I find myself trying my damn hardest not to be tricked into letting my guard down a little around em…no, stupid, stupid, stupid. Ey are a fucking tribute, not my new best friend. Ascella's just one of many who's gonna have to die if I want to live. I am not letting em under my skin and if ey think our alliance is anything more than a survival tactic, forget it.
Get me on the stage, then get me off it. They're just drawing out the killing process with this and goodness knows that's what everything is actually waiting for. Tomorrow morning, when we all begin to tear each other apart in a spectacle of blood and gore.
Linh looks like a toddler in the little white dress her stylist has dressed her in; it's cute, but I guess it looks a tad too casual. Not that I'm claiming to be a fashionista or anything. Linh plays with the hem of her skirt as Gregor introduces to the crowd of colourful Capitolite birds. A big smile forms on her face as she talks about her home life back in 10.
"Oh, it's just me and my parents. Small family. Not much to my life at home, it seems. A lot of animals live near our house and I like to play with them."
Gregor hums with interest. "Sounds like you're a friend of nature. What animals are your favourite?"
"I can't pick one. I like them all! We get baby bunnies in the spring, squirrels and chipmunks in the summer…they're all just so cute and playful!"
The crowd gushes and claps for Linh as she continues to wax poetic about all the animals she hangs out with. The buzzer rings. And then it's my turn.
The heavy brown trenchcoat that sits on top of my gray suit is causing me to work up a huge sweat. Seriously. All these hot lights shining down on me, and my stylist decides the excess layers are a good idea? God, I can't wait to take this thing off.
"You look like a private investigator, Hunter!" Gregor bursts into laughter at his own dumb joke. I roll my eyes and he takes the hint. "Alright, alright, I jest. Don't worry. Tell us about what it's like living in 10!"
Oh, fuck you. You're not getting shit out of me. I just shrug. "Meh. Hate to repeat my district partner's words and sound like a broken record. But I'm afraid there's not much to talk about. I just live with my family and that's about it."
"Is that so?" Gregor asks and oh fuck, does he know? No, no way in hell or else he'd have said something by now. Still, best to keep it simple. He smiles innocently and I force myself to return the gesture. Come on, don't say anything stupid. Just get the interview over with. You and Chater worked to death on what you're gonna say, and that's what you're gonna do.
"Yep. That's it. Case closed. What else you wanna talk about?"
"Let's talk about your plans for the arena. Let's see what you're made of."
Very funny. "I'm going with the old-fashioned strategy of keeping my lips shut." I can't help but smirk a little. "Sorry, Gregor. No offense to you, but I can't go and give the others a leg up on me, can I? I need a few hidden tricks up my sleeve for the cameras."
Finally, Gregor gets the hint. "Right, right, right. Whatever you have planned, I certainly look forward to it. Hunter Appalachie, everyone!"
Ascella giggles as I run into em backstage. "I didn't know you could be so mysterious."
"I wasn't trying to. I just didn't want to be there."
"Sure thing, Sherlock. Can I be your Watson?"
"Whatever."
Messier chuckles to himself in the far corner of the room as I just plop into the seat next to Ascella because who else am I gonna hang out with? Whatever. Four more interviews to go, and then I can go to bed. The downsides to coming from a double digit district, I guess. Would it kill to switch up the order every once in a while, or am I asking for way too much?
Coming up next is Cora, who wears a maroon jumpsuit with a train of fabric flowing behind them at their waist. They absentmindedly play with as Gregor asks them questions. "Obviously, I've talked with quite a few tributes about their lives back home and their friends and family. But I heard you had a very special someone?"
Cora smiles shyly. "Oh yes. My daughter Zenobia."
"What, you're a parent? And so young too!"
"Yeah, it wasn't exactly something my boyfriend Jonquil and I planned." Cora's face suddenly grows very red, almost matching the colour of their outfit. "But we don't regret it at all. My little Zebe is the light of my life and I love everything about her. I'm going to do everything in my power to get back home to her because I am not letting my boyfriend raise her as a single dad."
Cora's voice lingers at that last word, as if there's more that they want to say but have suddenly decided against talking about. Probably some juicy family history there we're not going to get tonight. Ah well, I kinda did the same so I can't really judge at all. Cora and Gregor spend some more time awwing over their baby, and then they climb off the stage. The second they get into the wings, the smile on their face cracks.
Reggie Baxter, 18
District 12 Male
I shouldn't be nervous. I'm a healer in 12, for crying out loud; I've seen way gorier and crazier shit than this. I've seen people die. Not like I've had an audience before, but if I can survive people losing their grip on me because I gave them the news they didn't want to hear, I'll be fine tonight. I can make them like me.
But my stomach churns with guilt and unease and I don't even know why.
I remind myself everything will be okay and it's not like these people know every single detail about me. They don't know how badly I messed up, and I won't tell them. But doesn't change the fact that I feel like I'm being judged by a bunch of strangers, scrutinized via a criteria I know nothing about.
It feels oddly familiar and I think that's the thing I hate the most.
Kerkylas struts onto the stage wearing a tuxedo that for some bizarre reason has no sleeves. Whether the stylist purposefully didn't include them or he ripped them off himself, I could go either way. But if he feels like showing his bulging muscles to everyone, then it's really not my problem. I might crack a snide comment about him needing to rely on his looks to carry him through his interview cause his personality won't do it, but the knots in my stomach tighten and I suddenly feel like throwing up.
Gregor asks about Kerkylas's plans for the arena and he wastes no time. "I don't care. I will kill whoever I need to kill and I'm not afraid to do it. I don't get peeved by the sight of blood. That's a thing cowards do, which I am most certainly not. A coward. I ain't a coward."
"Certainly I never implied that you are one! You're quite strong and determined and I respect that. Where did you get all this strength from?"
"I worked for it," Kerkylas says vaguely. The front of my palm hits my forehead before I even register it. Across in the wings, Garnet gives me a nervous thumbs-up. I'm glad he's enjoying it.
This has been a very long night.
Tati wears a floor length dark green gown that looks way too old and way too big on her. The sleeves stop between her elbows and her wrist, to reveal the black silk gloves she has on underneath. For a moment, Tati freezes up as she stares horrified at all the faces watching her and the lights over her head. But she allows Gregor to take her hand and gently guide her to her seat.
"It's okay, kiddo. Just focus on me if you want. We're not here to bite…well, most of us won't. We just want to hear more about you! Tell us about your life back home!"
Tati shakes her head, getting more and more frantic each second. Her eyes grow wide. "No. No, no, no, no, no…"
"Okay, okay! It's alright! You don't have to tell us about it then! How about your allies? They've all told me good things about you."
"They're okay…" Tati mumbles, barely audible to even Gregor. "I like Linh. She's nice."
"That she is. How about Vick, Walker, and Cameron? You like them too?"
"...yeah…"
What a trainwreck. Gregor ends the interview a few seconds before the buzzer and Tati runs immediately off the stage. I suppose if that's what I'm following, then it won't be too hard. People like doctors, right? They like someone who can help. That, or they just like the uniform.
Gregor lets out a whistle as he takes in my outfit: a white coat that reminds me of the one I wear back home over a green vest and gray pants. "Oh my! Are you a doctor?"
"Um, kind of? I run an apothecary back home."
"How interesting!" I can tell Gregor has no clue what that means. "Must keep you really busy all the time, no?"
"You could say that. At least my boyfriend's there to help me." I didn't really want to bring up Lyle like that, but the Capitol melts for a good love story. Especially between two cute guys. I don't particularly want to be stared at like I'm the lead in a bad soap opera, but if that's what it takes to get me sponsors, so be it.
And as predicted, Gregor gushes away. "Awwww, isn't that just the cutest thing I've heard all night! Now, what's your plan for the Games?"
"I've got an alliance. Kerkylas and Garnet. They're pretty swell guys and I feel I get along with them both very well." That's a total lie, but honestly, I don't feel like getting into alliance politics. If neither of them did, I won't. We'll pretend everything is okay and I'm good at that.
"Sounds great! Alright, we're just one our last half-minute or so here. Any final words to close off the interviews, Reggie?"
I did nothing wrong. I have never killed before, even if it was an accident. I'm a good person. I'm a very good person. They believe you are. Or not. Or they see right through you and see how-
"I think I'm good. Have a nice night."
I walk right off the stage, imagining that I hear Gregor call after me in confusion, which he doesn't. He's probably got some scripted closing spiel he's got to give, reminding people to place some bets or something. Whatever, he's a busy man and we're all busy too. I shrug off the coat and drape it over my arm. I wonder if I can keep it, have it shipped back home. It makes me miss my old one. It makes me miss a lot of things about my life.
Sometime in the next few weeks, I might die. I want to say I'm prepared. And I am; I don't stay up late all night scrawling out notes and rewatching old tapes for nothing. I have things to get back to and they need me just as much.
I can't lose. I don't want to lose.
And here's the rest of the interviews! Once again, outfits can be found on the blog.
Next chapter will be the night before the Games, as well as the last chapter before the Bloodbath, featuring Vivian, Avonlea, Cameron, and Cora. I will also detail all sponsor information there, although if you've been with me for a while you know how it goes. ;)
See you all next chapter,
-Vr